If you’re struggling with a long toe, one of the most common foot deformities, you must have heard about a surgical procedure that can fix it – but how does toe shortening surgery work exactly? We’ve talked about the procedure in this blog – be sure to read it before you schedule your surgery.
A Step-By-Step of the Procedure
Toe shortening surgery is an outpatient procedure that can last anywhere from 20 minutes to three hours, depending on how complex the deformity is. It’s a minimally invasive surgery, which means there won’t be any large incisions. You will be able to go back home the same day after the procedure, and the recovery period will go by pretty quickly.
How Does the Preparation Work?
Before the surgeon can get to work, you will need to get anesthesia – that’s all there is when it comes to preparation. Thankfully, this is such a simple surgery that it can be done under local anesthesia – you’ll just get a local anesthetic to prevent the pain and discomfort while your foot doctor corrects the deformity.
What Kind of Surgical Techniques Are Used?
Your surgeon will make a few small incisions to access the bone that needs to be fixed. There are two main techniques that can be used to fix the long toe deformity – joint resection (arthroplasty) and bone fusion. Joint resection means removing a small portion of the toe joint in order to shorten the toe. Bone fusion means removing the entire joint and then fusing the two ends of the bones together. In some cases, the surgeon will need to place wires or surgical screws to keep the correction in place.
How Long Is the Recovery Process?
Since this is a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery process is a lot shorter compared to what it would be after a traditional surgery. Toe shortening surgery recovery time is usually about six weeks. If there are some complications, the process of healing can take up to three months. You can’t do much to speed it up, but it’s important to rest and avoid strenuous physical activity until your foot is healed. It’s also worth mentioning that doctors recommend patients quit smoking during recovery, as it can prolong the healing process.
Are There Some Potential Risks and Complications?
Just like any surgery, this one comes with certain risks – although the chances of developing any complications are quite low. So what are the toe shortening surgery risks? Infection of the surgical site is worth mentioning – you’ll have to take good care of your wound in order to avoid it. Nerve damage, poor wound healing, floating toe, issues with bone healing (malunion and nonunion), and recurrence of the deformity are all possible complications of toe shortening surgery.
Consult Your Surgeon in Miami Before Scheduling the Procedure
Are you interested in toe shortening surgery but don’t know where to turn for a consultation and medical advice? Our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic are here to help – we have a team of experts you can consult with before scheduling toe shortening surgery. They will answer all your questions and explain the ins and outs of this procedure – reach out to us to book your free first consultation. You can contact us by calling our office, or you can fill out an inquiry form on our website – we’re looking forward to hearing from you.
FAQ
How Painful Is Toe Shortening Surgery?
Toe shortening surgery isn’t painful – you will be given a local anesthetic that will numb the area, so you won’t feel anything. However, when the anesthesia wears off, you will most likely experience some pain or discomfort.
Is Toe Surgery Risky?
Minimally invasive toe surgery is not risky. Although it comes with certain risks (just like any other surgery), it has a high success rate, and complications are quite rare.
